How to Assess a Company’s Culture – Before Accepting the Job

You found a great job opportunity right here in Houston that sounds like a terrific match for your skills and background. The pay is competitive, the work sounds stimulating, and the location is nearby.

But what about the company’s culture? Is it a good fit for you? In other words, is the “personality” of the company a good fit for your personality? If not, then you could be in for a bit of a shock.

So how can you make sure you accept a position that’s a fit for you all the way around? By asking a lot of questions during the job interview, such as:

• How would you describe the company in five words or less?
• Does the company have a code of ethics? What is it?
• How would you describe the environment here? Laid back? Or more formal?
• What is the dress code?
• What’s the management style like?
• Does the company typically promote from within?
• Is there a mentoring or continuing education program for those looking to advance their careers?
• What are some of the traits that the company’s most successful employees share?

Once the job interview is over, ask yourself:

• Was the interviewer well prepared and on time?
• Did they answer my questions clearly?
• Was I treated with respect?
• What was my gut reaction when I first walked into the company’s office? Impressed? Underwhelmed?
• How did I feel once the interview was over? Uncertain? Excited?

Don’t think of a job interview just as an opportunity for a Houston employer to evaluate you. It’s also an opportunity for you to assess the employer – and determine whether or not you think the Houston job and company will be a good match for you.

Do’s and Don’ts for Successful Salary Negotiations

As a Houston executive recruiters, we know the process you go through to land a job can be daunting – from screening and interviewing to testing and reference checking. And after all that is said and done, there’s still one more crucial phase to complete before signing on the dotted line – salary negotiations. So how can you successfully negotiate to ensure you get the compensation you deserve? Here are some do’s and don’ts:

Do’s for Salary Negotiations:

• Do your homework ahead of time so that you know what the value of your skills, experience and achievements are worth in today’s marketplace. Use salary information websites or visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
• Do withhold information on your salary history as long as possible. Many times, employers use past salaries as a way to screen candidates out.
• Do be honest about your salary history. Padding your salary can come back to haunt you when the prospective employer calls your past employers to verify employment and salary.
• Do toot your own horn and highlight the experience and skills you can bring to the table so that the employer truly understands the value you’re offering.
• Do be realistic about your salary expectations. You have to keep in mind the current state of the industry you work in, as well as the economy when it comes to salary negotiations.
• Do try to negotiate additional perks, especially if you’re not successful in getting the exact salary you want. These can include things like extra vacation time or a performance bonus.

• Don’t start negotiating a salary until you’ve learned as much as possible about the Houston job and the responsibilities it entails.
• Don’t give the employer a specific figure when asked how much salary you want. Instead, ask the employer how much they would be willing to pay for someone with your skills and experience.
• Don’t be too eager to accept – even if the figure is exactly what you want. Many employers leave some room for negotiating, so you should still consider a counteroffer even if you are happy with their initial offer.
• Don’t get pressured into accepting if you’re not happy with the offer. Let the employer know that the offer is less than what you’re expecting by saying something like: “I have a better offer from another firm. Can you match it?” or “Given my level of experience and track record of success at my past employers, I feel like $65,000 would be a more appropriate salary.”
• It’s ok to be aggressive, but don’t go overboard. After all, if you do get the Houston job, you have to work with these people and you don’t want to start off on the wrong foot. So always remain professional and upbeat, focusing on why you deserve a higher salary than what’s being offered.

If you need more tips on negotiating a salary, or help finding a job in Houston, contact Murray Resources. As experienced executive recruiters, Murray Resources can help you through each and every phase of the job search process so that you secure the position and the compensation you deserve.

Do You Know Which Houston Jobs Match Your Personality Best?

As a Houston employment agency, we know that people are most productive, motivated, and happiest when they’re in a position that’s a great match for their personality. As a result, they are more successful too.

So what type of personality are you – and which jobs in Houston would you excel in?

Using John Holland’s theory of career choice, we’ve outlined six personality types below, careers that are a good fit for them, and the different work environments in which each one thrives.

Personality type #1: Artistic:
These are the artists of the world – so highly creative, independent, and original. They are also unorganized and take an unstructured approach to work. Examples of jobs that are a fit for the artistic personality are graphic designer, musician, writer, and actor.

Personality type #2: Realistic:
These people generally like hands-on tasks and have a high mechanical aptitude. They are also pragmatic, stable, and logical. They typically excel in jobs that are more tool-oriented, such as IT, engineering, agriculture, and architecture.

Personality type #3: Social:
These people are nurturing and like activities that involve helping others. They have a high level of compassion, and are also cooperative and friendly. Careers that are a good fit for this personality include teacher, customer service representative, doctor, nurse, and therapist.

Personality type #4: Investigative:
These people are both intellectual and analytical. They are thinkers and like working with theories and information. They are also independent and curious. Positions in which this personality thrives include lawyer, professor, economist, mathematician, and pharmacist.

Personality type #5: Enterprising:
These are the people who are not afraid to take a risk. They are also highly competitive. They have strong leadership skills and are good at persuading people. Positions that are a good fit for an enterprising personality are real estate agent, salesperson, marketing executive, management, and public relations.

Personality type #6: Conventional:
These people are detail oriented and highly organized. They also value routine and structure. They are both precise and practical, and operate best when they have clear instructions to follow. Jobs that are a good fit for a conventional personality include proofreader, banker, accountant, and clerk.

Were you able to determine which personality type you are? Whether you have a conventional personality or an investigative one, please contact Murray Resources if you need help finding a job that’s a fit for you. As an experienced Houston employment agency, we can give you access to a variety of rewarding Houston jobs.

Career Tips: Tap into the Power of Networking

When looking for a new job in Houston, don’t just search online job boards or read the classifieds. Make sure you also tap into the power of your network. Here are some tips for successful networking:

Get connected.

Social networking tools, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, make it easy to get connected to people such as former co-workers and college classmates. If you’re lucky, someone within your network may know about a terrific job opening up in Houston.

Talk to as many people as you can.

If you’re more of an introvert, this can be a challenge. But it’s a critical step in order to truly leverage the power of networking. So wherever you are – at a wedding, on a plane, in line at the bank – talk to people. You never know who you will meet and what role they may play in advancing your career.

Ask lots of questions.

If you feel like making small talk isn’t your strongest suit, then keep this tip in mind. People love to talk about themselves – all you have to do is ask the questions.

Be a good listener.

There’s nothing worse then asking someone a question and then looking around the room as if you’re not interested in their answer. Everyone does this at one point or another, but no one likes it when it happens to them! So be a good listener.

Develop an elevator speech.

An elevator speech is essentially a 30-second response to the question “what do you do for a living?” So create a quick and clear answer and make sure you practice it so you’re prepared next time you’re asked this question.

Make sure you always have business cards with you.

And get comfortable with handing them out. There’s no point in having lots of cards in your wallet if you never hand them out.

Join a group.

This is one of the best ways to network. Whether it’s an industry group, a community group, or the PTA at your child’s school, you’ll meet a variety of new people – which could possibly lead to some positive results in your career.

If you’re looking for a new job in Houston and need a little help, contact Murray Resources. As a recruitment firm in Houston, we work with many of the leading employers in the area and can give you access to a variety of job opportunities that you won’t find elsewhere. Contact us today to learn more.

5 Tips for to Re-entering the Houston Job Market

Whether you’ve taken some time off from searching for a new job, or you stayed home for a few years to raise your kids, the prospect of re-entering the Houston job market can seem a bit…well…overwhelming. But have no fear. Follow these tips to help make the plunge easier and get hired faster.

Tip #1: Be upfront about your employment gap.

It can be tempting to gloss over those five years you spent as a stay-at-home mom. But not including details about your employment gap is a mistake. First of all, it causes the prospective employer to make assumptions about what you’ve been doing. In addition, you’re missing out on an opportunity to position the gap as a positive. For instance, “As a result of my five years as a stay-at-home mom, I’ve learned to multi-task with ease.” You get the picture. So be sure to include the details of your employment gap – whether in your cover letter or on your resume.

Tip #2: Don’t forget to include community involvement on your resume.

Some people seem to think that if you don’t get paid for a job, it doesn’t count. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Community involvement is a valuable component of any resume. And who knows? The hiring manager may be involved in a similar activity, which will allow the two of you to connect on a personal level.

So whether you sit on a museum board, are a member of the PTA, or volunteer at your local library, be sure to include the details of any community involvement or volunteer activities on your resume.

Tip #3: Be honest in your interview.

When hiring managers see a gap in employment, they are automatically curious. So don’t be surprised if they ask you about it during your interview. Whatever you do, don’t fabricate the facts – just be honest about the situation.

Tip #4: Make sure your skills are current.

Haven’t used a computer in a while? Then it’s time to update your skills. Take a class at your community college or enroll in a career training course. Most employers don’t want to have to train new hires, and are therefore more likely to offer the position to someone who has the right skills.

Tip #5: Focus on the bigger picture.

The fact of the matter is that if you’ve been out of the Houston job market for a while, you may very well have a harder time finding a new job when compared to someone who never left. But don’t get discouraged! While you might need to take a job that’s a step down from your last position, think about the big picture and how this move will help you reach your ultimate career goal.

In the process of re-entering the Houston job market?

Please contact Murray Resources. As a leading employment agency, we can give you access to a variety of job opportunities with top Houston employers – whether you’re looking for a position in accounting, administration, or management. We can also work with you to craft a strong cover letter and resume, and help you to position your employment gap in a positive light. Contact us today. We can help.

15 Critical Questions You Should Ask Every Temporary Employment Firm

Landing a position through a temporary employment agency can provide a host of benefits, like a flexible schedule, supplemental income, and the ability to test the waters at different companies. But if you’ve never worked for a Houston temporary employment agency before, you may have some questions. That’s a good thing! Before committing to a particular agency, you should ask each a variety of questions to ensure they’re a good fit for you.

Here’s a list of 15 important questions to help you get started:

Questions to Ask About the Temporary Employment Agency

1. How long have you been in business?

2. Why types of Houston employers do you work with?

3. What are some examples of the job opportunities that you fill?

4. How much do your services cost? (Hint: If the employment agency tells you they charge job seekers for their services, then it’s time to say good-bye. Reputable employment agencies don’t ask applicants to pay for placements in temporary job assignments.)

Questions About How the Process Works

5. Will you contact me when a position I’m suited for becomes available, or should I call to check in? How often?

6. What happens if I want to turn down a job opportunity? Is that allowed?

7. What if I accept a temporary job opportunity, but realize after a few days things aren’t working? What should I do?

8. If I show up to an assignment and the company decides they don’t need me, do I still get paid?

9. Will I receive training? Do I have to pay for the training? (Again, if the answer’s “yes,” it’s time to turn and walk away. A reputable employment agency will not ask you to pay for training.)

10. What if the Houston employer you place me with wants to hire me full-time? Can I accept?

Questions About Pay & Benefits

11. Approximately how much do the jobs I’m qualified for pay?

12. How do I track my hours?

13. How often will I be paid?

14. Do you offer any benefits, such as health insurance, to temporary employees?

15. Do you pay overtime to temporary employees? If so, what’s the rate?

Make sure you get the answers to these questions – and any others you may have – before committing to a particular temporary employment agency. And if you want to add Murray Resources to the list of Houston temporary employment agencies you’d like to possibly work with, then please feel free to contact us to learn more. Or, to get an idea of the types of positions we can give you access to, take a look at our current job openings in and around the Houston area.

How to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job

Not on LinkedIn? Then you’re missing out on a huge opportunity to promote your skills and search for jobs in Houston. In fact, the professional connections you make on LinkedIn can truly give you an advantage in your job search – and in your career.

Here’s how to get started:

Create your profile.

Think of your LinkedIn profile as your online resume. Create a detailed profile, including past employment, education, and qualifications. Also be sure to include keywords (such as Houston civil engineer) so that you will be easily found. If you have a professional headshot, you may also want to upload that to your profile.

Build your network.

The more connections you make, the more opportunities you will have. With that said…don’t go crazy with your connections. Only connect to people you know and trust.

Reach out.

Let your network know that you’re looking for a job in Houston, TX. The more people who know you’re looking, the faster you may be able to find a job.

Get recommendations.

Recommendations from people you have worked with in the past carry a lot of weight. A variety of positive recommendations will put you in the best possible light to potential employers in Houston.

Search jobs.

Use the job search section to find job listings you may be interested in.

Ask & answer questions.

The Answers section in LinkedIn is a great way to increase your visibility, as well as enhance your credibility within your particular field. Respond to questions, and ask a question if you need information.

Check if a company is still hiring.

Many companies today have their own pages on LinkedIn. So if there is a Houston company you’d like to work for, go to their LinkedIn profile and check out their “New Hire” section to see if anyone new has recently joined the company. Also, look to see if you know any of the company’s current employees so you can make a connection.

Get to the hiring manager.

If you do know someone at the company, ask that individual to forward your resume to the hiring manager. Hiring managers are much more apt to review a resume that comes from someone they know.

Find out about the company.

Again, if you know someone at the company, ask them for the inside scoop on getting hired at that company. If you don’t have an “in” at the company, then take a look at the profiles of existing employees to get a better sense of the backgrounds and experience of people who already work at the company.

Searching for a job can be a daunting challenge. But by leveraging the power of social media, you may be able to find the job of your dreams a lot quicker. And if you still need helping finding the right job opportunity here in Houston, TX, please contact Murray Resources. As a premier employment firm serving the Houston area, we can connect you with a variety of Houston job opportunities in fields such as administration, engineering, accounting/finance, and sales and customer service.  We look forward to helping you!